OBJECTIVETo evaluate the clinical effectiveness of tooth-alveolar bone grafts in repairing dentition defects.

METHODSForty-five patients with dentition defect were divided into two groups according to different operation methods. In group A (n=24), the tooth-alveolar bone grafts of the transplanted tooth and its surrounding alveolar bone were cut using modified surgical orthodontics and then embedded into the designated planting hole. In group B (n=21), the teeth were extracted through conventional tooth transplantation and then embedded into the prepared planting holes. The transplanted teeth were fixed for about 4-6 weeks using the orthodontic method. During the postoperation, which lasted for 2-12 weeks, root canal treatments were administered selectively. The medical effect was regularly followed up and evaluated.

RESULTSNo significant difference was found in the change of color and the periodontal ligament image between the two groups (P>0.05) whereas significant differences were observed in the degree of tooth mobility, the absorption of root and alveolar bone, and the rate of root canal treatment (P<0.05). The curative effect in group A was superior to group B.

CONCLUSIONSTooth-alveolar bone graft transplantation has overcome some of the limitations of traditional tooth transplantation. Therefore, it is an effective means of repairing dentition defect.